So grab a controller and dig in, already.

By trading strict recipes and overly complicated cooking instructions for the feeling one gets from preparing a delicious meal - plus a bit of mentally stimulating improvisation - Battle Chef Brigade makes players feel like accomplished chefs in no time. While the setup alone is unique and praiseworthy (that being a combination of 2D combat and match-three puzzles set in a gorgeous anime-esque world), it's the game's relentless optimism and charm that has those who play it buzzing with excitement. Give it time, because as word of mouth spreads, so too will its reputation. Why should you play it? As the most recently-released entry on our list, you may not have heard of Battle Chef Brigade yet. What is it? Imagine a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired fantasy world where society is built around an Iron Chef-style cooking competition, all depicted with beautiful, hand-drawn art. Solo or two-player co-op is passable, but nowhere near as joyful as the full, all-friends Trek journey you can go on, if you have that many buddies with VR set-ups. That you can experience it online across all platforms is something of a technical miracle, even if it’s a little fiddly to set up at first. But when you do get four players together, each assuming a key role on the bridge, this game is utterly magical and one of the best role-playing adventures you’ll find on console.

It’s a strange thing that a game with such broad appeal is actually incredibly rarified and niche, and many people have excitedly played it then quickly dropped it because they simply couldn’t experience Bridge Crew under optimal conditions. That is, when you play it properly, with three other human players. Why should you play it? Not only is Bridge Crew (opens in new tab) the ultimate in ‘Trek fan-service, such is the loving recreation of the bridge on both the new starship and the original Enterprise, but it’s also a damn good use of VR.

Best games of 2017 list comparisons